The GM LZJ is a 3,604 cc, V6 petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2014. It features an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and a high-flow intake manifold, delivering strong power output and improved thermal efficiency. Direct injection enables precise fuel metering for enhanced combustion and reduced emissions under part-load conditions.
Fitted to models such as the Chevrolet Impala, Cadillac SRX, and Buick LaCrosse, the LZJ was engineered for full-size sedans and crossover SUVs requiring refined performance and towing capability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a three-way catalytic converter, allowing all units to meet Euro 5 standards across regulated markets.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the direct injection system, highlighted in GM Technical Service Bulletin 11-06-01-007. This condition can cause rough idle, misfires, or loss of power over time. GM introduced revised intake port designs and updated calibration strategies in later production batches to mitigate accumulation rates.
Production years 2008–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; model-specific emissions may vary slightly by market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The GM LZJ is a 3,604 cc V6 petrol engine engineered for full-size sedans and crossovers (2008-2014). It combines direct fuel injection with continuously variable valve timing to deliver responsive acceleration and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances everyday performance with controlled emissions output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,604 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 96.0 mm × 82.5 mm | |
| Power output | 203–215 kW (275–291 PS) | |
| Torque | 350–355 Nm @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), 200 bar | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven dual overhead camshafts | |
| Oil type | GM dexos1™ Gen 2 (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 198 kg |
The GDI system provides excellent throttle response and fuel economy but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using GM dexos1™ Gen 2 (5W-30) to prevent intake valve carbonization. Low-SAPS oil is critical due to its formulation minimizing deposit formation under high-temperature combustion. Extended idling and frequent short-trip driving accelerate carbon accumulation, necessitating periodic intake cleaning per GM SIB 11 06 01 007. The chain timing system has no scheduled replacement interval but should be inspected if unusual noise occurs. Fuel must meet EN 228 standards to ensure injector longevity and optimal combustion.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1™ Gen 2 (5W-30) specification (GM SIB 11 06 01 007). Supersedes previous dexos1 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2008–2014 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No market-specific variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. All outputs are certified at sea level with standard ambient conditions (GM TIS Doc. A31055).
GM Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31055, A31502, SIB 11 06 01 007
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The GM LZJ was used across GM's Y-body/K-body platforms with longitudinal mounting and licensed to Fiat for transverse applications in select European markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intake manifold geometry in the Cadillac SRX and different engine mounts in the Chevrolet Impala—and from 2011 the facelifted LaCrosse adopted the LZJ-E variant with updated ECU calibration, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Fiat's 3.6L V6 units to leverage GM's direct injection architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the right cylinder bank near the alternator bracket (GM TIS A31055). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('A' for LZJ series). Pre-2011 models have silver plastic valve covers with visible GDI injectors; post-2011 units use black composite covers. Critical differentiation from LZ9: LZJ uses Bosch HDP6 injectors with 200 bar pressure and higher compression ratio (11.2:1 vs 11.0:1). Service parts require production date verification - intake cleaners designed for pre-2011 units may not fit post-facelift manifolds (GM SIB 11 06 01 007).
The LZJ's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use. Internal GM data from 2013 reported 16% of vehicles exceeding 100,000 km required intake cleaning due to measurable power loss, while EU MOT records link 20% of LZJ-related failures to misfire DTCs from carbon-induced lean conditions. Extended idling and low-speed driving increase deposit formation, making oil quality and regular cleaning critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2011-2018) and EU MOT failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about GM LZJ.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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GM Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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VCA Certification Portal
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